Making a Cowl (Neck Warmer) for my toddler using a FREE pattern

We live in Calgary; Canada and it is cold during the winter. It comes with its challenges, but thankfully it also gifts me the opportunity to practice my crocheting skills and make loads of winter gear.

Naturally I made our toddler a cowl (also known as a neck warmer) to cover the open skin between her snow suit and beanie.

I highly recommend making this as a beginner - it is really easy and relaxing to make (very little concentration is required).

Jump to the pattern

What you'll need & my recommendations:

1. Crochet hooks - I have really affordable ones from Amazon that have been working really well for me.

2. Stitch markers

3. Buttons - Used thrifted buttons (2.5cm)

4. Bulky yarn - Used thrifted real wool. In hindsight this was not the best wool to use. It is very scratchy. I recommend using real wool but something softer like Merino Wool.

Given how scratchy my cowl turned out I will re-mark this with a much less scratchy yarn and use this one over clothing such that it doesn't directly touch our kiddo's skin.

This pattern is essentially single crochets and double crochets, chaining and skipping stitches for the buttonholes. You do exactly the same thing for many rows. I recommend using a row counter app.

I made mine slightly longer than the pattern by adding a few rows before the buttonhole row. I used less than 1 ball of bulky yarn to complete this project. Since I thrift yarn, it is helpful for me to have go to patterns that don't require much yarn since I can't often get a lot of one type and color. This pattern is definitely a nice go to for this and for gifts.

Stitch markers have been a useful crochet purchase! I thought they were unnecessary, and I initially used paperclips, but having them is very useful (and they don't cost much). In this pattern you use them to mark the side, because you will be adding buttons and folding the end product to create the cowl. You also use them to mark where you want to place the buttons before sewing on the buttons.

The end product!

The cowl kept Elba nice and warm when we went out in -18C (-0.4F). Unfortunately, with the windchill ( -24C) she needed a face cover for more protection and because she didn't have one on, she got a bit of "windburn" or "frostnip" (hard to tell which one) 😢. Making a full head cover with a neck warmer that can fold up to cover her face is next on my list to make. I am currently waiting on my Merino wool order to make this. Check back in to see the full head warmer - I've found a few cool free patterns I'm excited to try.

That all being said - this neck warmer is a great easy to make one and it is free.

The pattern

Credit for the pattern goes to Peach & Paige Designs. It is called the Dakota Cowl.

You can find the free pattern linked below.

Free Cowl Pattern

I made no alterations to the pattern other than adding a few rows before the buttonhole row. I wanted it to be a bit longer.

Crocheting a cozy cowl neck warmer for your toddler is such a fun and fulfilling project, especially with this free pattern! It’s a perfect way to combine functionality and handmade charm, keeping your little one snug during chilly days.

If you try this pattern, I’d love to see your creations! Did you experiment with colors or add any special touches?

Share your photos in the comments or tag me on Instagram @SustainabilityC. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more crochet patterns, parenting tips, and creative inspiration. Happy crocheting!

Carmen